Goodies, Gifts, and Grease

Was my elf eating or unwrapping the Hersey Kisses for me?

Jackson helped me make peanut butter blossoms this weekend, and Brian helped with the cake balls and toffee. 

  I decided to forgo the cut out cookies just because I didn't want to spend the time frosting them.

Platter for of yumminess headed to Brian's work!

I made up goodie bags for each of my team members and sent some as part of Jackson's preschool teachers gifts.

 

I finished "wrapping" my students gifts this weekend as well. 

 Today my friend Jeannine brought me my first baby gift.

 Look at those adorable socks! Maybe I do need a girl!

I decided to use them to tell my students I was pregnant. I had them infer why Rennie, our school Elf, would leave Mrs. Hartzler baby socks. It took them a while to figure it out, but when they got it their reactions were priceless. I love the sweet girls who said, "But, why is your belly not big?" At writing time, another student told me I should write my small moment about how I made the baby. I think NOT!

 

We bought a Explore about a month and a half ago, so Brian has been driving the Jeep. He realized the Jeep was leaking radiator fluid on Saturday and decided he was going to try and fix it himself.

After being covered in grease from head to toe, taking the front off, leaking red transmission fluid all over the garage and driveway, 9 hours of labor, some frustration he DID it and save us a bunch of money!

Christmas Program

Saturday morning, Jackson's preschool had a short Christmas program. The girls dressed as angels and the boys as shepherds or donkeys. Jackson chose to be a donkey. Jackson acted extremely shy once again when we got there and wouldn't let me leave his side until he went on stage. He even hit his teacher when I tried to leave him and she grabbed him. I tell you, this parenting stuff is pretty humbling!

Jackson knew all his songs, and Ms. Csharie told me his sang the best at practice. He didn't disappoint during the program either. I was trying to not to laugh the whole time. You can hear his little voice louder than everyone else. On the second and third song he even added a silly accent to his loud voice. Love that he isn't shy on stage!

 Some of his friends and Ms. Csharie behind the fence.

After the program they had crafts, lunch, and decorating cookies. 

Thankful for fun activities put on by Jackson's preschool!

15 weeks

 

(Keeping it real with dirty towels in the bathtub!)

 

We got to see our littlest love again today on the good ultrasound machine.

I am in LOVE with these profile pictures!

A little hand and a very active baby.

 

Cravings: Still Fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonald's, really anything I don't have to cook, I have been starving lately

 

Pregnancy Brian: I locked my keys in the car, left my checkbook at the salon, several other little things at school

Sleep: Not as tired, but still get up to go to bathroom 1-2 times

Slept good this week, trying to fight off a sinus infection and ward off all the sickness going around at school

Movement: I actually do think I feel some flutters.

Maternity clothes: Not yet and hopefully I can make it until Christmas.

Size of baby: an apple (I eat one everyday)

What I miss: Not much except working out, but really I am too tired to do that anyway.

Looking forward to: Finding out the sex of the baby, we tried to today but he or she wouldn't cooperate

 

Awww! I can't get enough of that sweet face!

"I will proclaim the name of the Lord, Oh, praise the greatness of our God." Deuteronomy 32:2

An Encounter With Santa

We had heard about a local neighborhood that goes all out for Christmas. We decided to take a chance and drive over there and check it out. Most streets had a theme like; USA, Christmas at the Zoo, 12 Days of Christmas, Frosty the Snowman. Some were done better than others. The USA street went all out and was even shooting off fireworks as we drove through. Jackson's favorite house was the one that had snow falling.

On our way down one street we found Santa in his sleigh, with his big red sack.

Jackson got a polar bear and candy cane from Santa. He is still quite curious as to how his sleigh got there.

Santa was definitely a highlight of our trip and made the drive worth it!

 

Polar bear has can make Jackson smile, listen, and do chores around the house.

 

Polar Bear goes everywhere with Jackson.

LOVE him and his excitement for the season!

Christmas Party and Gingerbread Houses

Friday night we hosted our Sunday School's Christmas Party. We did an appetizer bar and frost your own cookies. Dana planned some Christmas Minute To Win It games. I didn't win us even one candy cane for our jar. I think everyone had a great time!

 

Gingerbread houses were on the agenda for Saturday. We hit up Target for some yummy Christmas candy and frosting. Jackson and I worked together and Brian made his own. He is a serious builder!

Jackson didn't have patience for building the house, he just wanted to decorate his house with as much candy as he could! I think our doors are a nice touch to our house.

The finished houses side by side. 

Both houses are already missing a piece of their roofs!

Full Swing

December brings a full schedule of fun (and some craziness)!

 

We hit the ground running on the 1st with Jackson's advent calendar. I put a verse, small treat, and sometimes a special activity that will we will be doing in his small box for the day.

We then read Jackson's Christmas Bible and sometimes another Christmas story. He looks forward to this time each night.

 

We went to the Parade of Lights this weekend, but since it was 80 degrees we opted for a smoothie instead of hot chocolate!

Jackson spot for the parade, and he did cover his ears for most of it because there were sirens galore.

An ambulance shining bright. Jackson's verse for this night was John 8:12, "Jesus is the light of the world."

 

We took Jackson to see Santa Cow at Chick-fil-a. He earned enough smiley faces from preschool to be able to go and had been talking about it for days. However, when we got there he was to scared to take a picture. I had to take one with him first to even get this one!

 

My Christmas cards are on their way.

After one epic fail, I love how they turned out!

 

Here's to hoping the rest of December slows down so I can enjoy it (and do a few loads of laundry)!

First "School" Picture

Jackson had his picture taken at preschool a while back. I didn't know what to expect with my goofball. I am pleasantly surprised at how nice he smiled. He said "Mr. Funny made him do it."

 

How could I not buy a few pictures? He is such a charmer! They also took a class picture with his teachers that turned out sweet.

I am thankful that Jackson likes going to school and gets to learn about Jesus too!